Vaccination Archives - Illawarra Medical Centre https://illawarramedical.com.au/category/vaccination/ Providing superior health care to families and local businesses in the Ballajura area for more than 25 years Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:53:56 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Australia’s high school vaccination program https://illawarramedical.com.au/australias-high-school-vaccination-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=australias-high-school-vaccination-program Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:46:02 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9377 As we come to the end of World Immunization Week and the start of the Australia’s flu vaccine rollout, it’s a timely reminder of another very important vaccination program for our high school aged adolescents. This age group is particularly vulnerable to certain diseases, including pertussis (whooping cough), human papillomavirus (HPV), and meningococcal. They are […]

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As we come to the end of World Immunization Week and the start of the Australia’s flu vaccine rollout, it’s a timely reminder of another very important vaccination program for our high school aged adolescents.

This age group is particularly vulnerable to certain diseases, including pertussis (whooping cough), human papillomavirus (HPV), and meningococcal. They are also at high risk of spreading these to the broader community when infected.

Recent research indicates a drop in adolescent vaccine uptake in recent years, which is a concern. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the high school vaccination program and why protecting our teens against these diseases is so important.

Australia’s adolescent vaccine program

Australia’s National Immunisation Program provides a series of free vaccinations for Australian teenagers. These are delivered through school-based immunisation programs and other health services to students in Year 7 and Year 10.

These include:

  • a booster vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (dTpa), usually offered in year 7;
  • the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, usually offered in year 7; and
  • a meningococcal ACWY vaccine, offered in year 10.

Parents need to provide consent for their children to receive vaccinations through the school-based immunisation program. In Western Australia, this can be completed online through WA Health or directly through your school.

Source: Department of Health, Western Australia (School-based immunisation program)

Diseases covered by the program

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by a toxin made by bacteria. It causes a thick grey coating in the back of the nose or throat that makes it hard to breathe or swallow and can be deadly. The dTpa vaccine given to Year 7 students protects against diphtheria.

Tetanus

Tetanus is an acute, often fatal disease, also caused by a toxin produced by bacteria.

It can lead breathing problems and paralysis, and muscle spasms from the disease can be strong enough to break a child’s spine or other bones.

About 20 per cent of people who get tetanus in Australia will die as a result.

The dTpa vaccine given to Year 7 students protects against tetanus.

Pertussis

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that attacks the airways causing uncontrollable coughing and difficulty breathing. Whooping cough spreads easily through households and families.

While babies are at greatest risk of severe illness from the disease, it can cause serious illness in older children and adults, particularly for people with asthma.

The dTPa vaccine given to Year 7 students protects against pertussis.

This vaccine is given routinely to infants at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years of age, with a booster given to adolescents aged between 11-13. A booster dose is also highly recommended for pregnant women and those aged 50 and 65 years of age.

HPV

HPV is a viral infection that can cause cancers and genital warts and is sexually transmitted.

The benefits of HPV vaccines are greatest when given before exposure to the virus. This is why the vaccine is given to all young people in early high school, before they become sexually active.

We know that HPV vaccination at this age works. Australia has one of the lowest rates of the disease in the world, thanks to proactive health strategies aimed at eliminating the disease.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that cervical cancer incidence rates have noticeably decreased since the introduction of the HPV adolescent vaccine program. Incidence rates have fallen from 9.3 cases per 100,000 females in 2013 to an estimated 0.5 in 2025. In addition, age-standardised mortality rates for cervical cancer decreased from 3.2 deaths per 100,000 females in 2000 to an estimated 1.8 deaths in 2025.

Healthy young people who receive a single dose before 26 years of age will not need further doses. Anyone who missed the HPV vaccination at 12 to 13 years of age can still catch up for free up to age 26.

Meningococcal

Meningococcal disease is the result of a bacterial infection of the blood and/or membranes that line the spinal cord and brain.

While the disease is relatively uncommon, it can spread rapidly and become life-threatening for those infected.

Those aged 15-24 years are at a high risk, due to their social lifestyle, which generally includes more intimate activities such as kissing and sharing drinks.

The most common strains of meningococcal that are responsible for cases of infection are A, B, C, W, and Y. While the school-based program only protects against the ACWY strains of the disease, private scripts are available for meningococcal B vaccines and are highly recommended.

Some of the highest rates of meningococcal carriage and illness occur among 15- to 19-year olds and the B strain has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

Table 2: Reported cases of meningococcal in Australia by strain 2022; courtesy of GSK

Vaccination decline

Over the last few years, adolescent vaccination coverage rates have declined. As noted by Australia’s National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), the proportion of teens who had received their adolescent dose of dTpa in the year they turned 15 decreased from 87.3% in 2021 to 86.9% in 2022 to 85.5% in 2023.

Meanwhile, the proportion who had received one dose of meningococcal ACWY vaccine by age 17 fell from 76.1% in 2021 to 75.9% in 2022 to 72.8% in 2023. Vaccination coverage among Indigenous teenagers dropped by similar amounts.

While this aligns with an overall trend in vaccination rates across all age groups, since the COVID pandemic, it does expose more teenagers and members of the wider community to serious infection from these vaccine-preventable diseases.

Are these vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe and you cannot get the virus from having the relevant vaccine.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the vaccines causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to all vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.

So if you have a child in Year 7 or 10, make sure you register your consent for vaccination prior to the program being delivered at their school. You can contact your school directly for specific dates and details or speak with your GP for more information.

WA Health also provides a useful guide for parents on the school-based immunisation program:

For more information, visit:

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]]> New nasal flu vaccine available for kids https://illawarramedical.com.au/new-nasal-flu-vaccine-available-for-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-nasal-flu-vaccine-available-for-kids Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:11:45 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9326 Getting your kids vaccinated against the flu each year can sometimes be tricky, particularly if you have a child who doesn’t like needles. The good news is that this year, some Australian children will have the option to receive a new, needle-free nasal flu vaccine, thanks to the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s recent registration of FluMist®. […]

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Getting your kids vaccinated against the flu each year can sometimes be tricky, particularly if you have a child who doesn’t like needles.

The good news is that this year, some Australian children will have the option to receive a new, needle-free nasal flu vaccine, thanks to the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s recent registration of FluMist®.

In Western Australia, FluMist® will be available free for children aged from 2 to 11 years, through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). 

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at this new vaccine and the outlook for this year’s flu season.

What is the flu?

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating.

Most people experience symptoms, such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • General aches and pains

Children, however, can experience more uncommon symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high-risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Flu Vaccines

The flu vaccine is recommended for every Australian aged 6 months and over.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), including:

  • Children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
    • heart disease
    • severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
    • chronic lung conditions
    • diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
    • impaired immunity
    • diabetes
    • kidney disease
    • haemoglobinopathies
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

Vaccination is also strongly recommended for those who:

  • Work in certain jobs and industries (including aged care and health care)
  • Travel to certain countries
  • Are planning a pregnancy

As the strain of flu changes every year, so too does the influenza vaccine. That is why it’s important to get vaccinated each year.

This year, we are seeing a new, fast-moving strain of influenza dubbed “Super-K” circulating earlier than normal, with high case numbers already experienced in a number of areas throughout Australia.

Staying up-to-date with your vaccines is vital, as it helps to reduce the spread of these viruses and protects your family and the wider community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

Nasal vaccines

This flu season, for the first time ever, WA children aged from 2 to 11 years will be eligible for the Flu Mist® vaccine.

FluMist® is a needle-free influenza vaccine that is administered via a quick nasal spray containing small amounts of weakened influenza viruses. These viruses work by mimicking a natural infection to help build immunity, and the vaccine remains effective even if a child sneezes shortly after administration.

FluMist® offers a safe, child-friendly alternative to traditional injections and is designed to increase vaccination uptake amongst this cohort.

According to the WA Department of Health, only 17 per cent of Western Australian children in this age group are currently vaccinated against influenza.

Given that 2025 saw a large increase in the number influenza cases nationally, and the highest number of influenza-related deaths this century, increased vaccination rates will be crucial to protect children, vulnerable populations, and the wider community from severe illness this year.

Are flu vaccines safe?

Yes. Flu vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe. You cannot get influenza from having the influenza vaccine, as it is made from the killed virus, not living viruses.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the flu vaccine causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

As it can take up to two weeks to develop immunity, it is generally recommended to get your flu vaccine in the autumn months of April and May, so that you are protected in time for the peak influenza season, which normally occurs in winter.

Flu vaccines in Australia will be available from April and people are encouraged to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.

Flu Clinics at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre will run flu vaccination clinics at our practice again this year, as soon as stocks become available, so keep an eye out for details over the coming weeks!

Bookings will be essential for these clinics. Please visit the website or contact us on (08) 9208 6400 for further details or to make a booking.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Why we need to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B https://illawarramedical.com.au/why-we-need-to-vaccinate-newborns-against-hepatitis-b/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-we-need-to-vaccinate-newborns-against-hepatitis-b Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:31:06 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=9170 The recent decision in the US regarding routine vaccinations for newborns against the hepatitis B virus has raised concerns and fears of a resurgence of the disease. Here in Australia, hepatitis B vaccinations are given to all babies at birth, as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule. In this month’s blog, we take a […]

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The recent decision in the US regarding routine vaccinations for newborns against the hepatitis B virus has raised concerns and fears of a resurgence of the disease.

Here in Australia, hepatitis B vaccinations are given to all babies at birth, as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the disease and why it’s important to continue to vaccinate newborns against the virus.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It can be acute, only affecting people for a short amount of time, or chronic, with long-term effects that can potentially lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 254 million people currently living with chronic infections, with around 1.2 million new infections detected every year.

While treatment is available to help reduce the progress of liver damage and loss of liver function, people with chronic hepatitis B will still need to be monitored every 6-12 months by their GP for signs and symptoms of liver disease.

It is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, vaginal fluids, and semen. It can also spread through needlestick injury, tattooing and piercing.

The most common forms of transmission, however come via mother to child at birth. Children are also at risk of transmission from household contacts or through contact with other children who are infected, particularly during the first five years of life. As the disease can survive for a week on household surfaces, the disease can pass on through something as simple as sharing the same toothbrush as an infected person.

A child who contracts chronic hepatitis B has an increased risk of developing chronic liver disease and cancer later in life. In fact, a 2018 report from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that 70% to 90% of unvaccinated infants born to infected mothers will become infected themselves, and 90% of those infections will become chronic.

It is for this reason that the World Health Organization recommends that children receive the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

Why do we vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B?

Vaccinating babies at birth remains one of the best ways to keep children protected from this lifelong, deadly disease.

Globally, 117 countries have introduced a dose of hepatitis B vaccine to newborns within the first 24 hours of life.

In Australia, every baby born since 2000 has been eligible to receive a free vaccine at birth, with further doses given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Full protection against hepatitis B requires a three-dose vaccine series, given at specific intervals in infancy. Anything short of this can leave children vulnerable to the virus for life.

This vaccination program has been a great success, with newborn vaccination rates remaining steady at between 92%-95% every year and newly acquired infections reducing by two thirds between 2000 and 2019.

From 2014 to 2023, the program also led to a 60% decline in cases for those aged under 20.

In America, it is a similar story, with a 95% reduction in hepatitis B infection rates resulting in less than 1,000 children or adolescents contracting the virus each year. In fact, America’s vaccination program has seen it come within reach of eliminating infections all together. So why have recommendations changed in the US?

Recent changes in the US

A newly appointed committee who advises on immunisation practices in the US recently changed the recommendation on hepatitis B vaccine at birth to apply only to those newborns whose mothers test positive for the virus. For those who test negative, it is now recommended that they consult their health care provider to make individualised decisions on whether or not to administer the vaccine to their newborn.

This change is not based on any new evidence and causes some concern, particularly as we know that delaying the first dose of the vaccine puts children at greater risk of chronic infection.

Almost one-third of people with hepatitis B do not know that they are infected. While screening is recommended for all pregnant women, not all mothers are tested during pregnancy.

Even if mothers are tested, there is still the risk that they can become infected after testing has occurred. There is also the risk that newborns can be exposed to the disease through contact with other family members who haven’t been tested and/or are unaware that they have the virus. That’s why the newborn vaccination dose is so important to help prevent newborns developing the infection at birth.

The good news for Australia is that there are no changes to our vaccination program and the hepatitis B vaccination remains in place for all Australian newborns.

Is the newborn vaccine safe?

Yes. The hepatitis vaccine has been safely given to millions of newborns across the world within the first 24 hours of life.

Like any vaccine, some newborns may experience a reaction but the risk of serious harm is very low. Infants are more likely to experience mild side effects, if any, including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, which will usually last no more than a day or two.

Vaccination remains one of the most successful and cost-effective public health measures worldwide and has helped protect many people from many serious infectious diseases.

Over the past 50 years, childhood vaccines alone have prevented 154 million deaths globally – the vast majority in children under five.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the TGA. We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to all vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.

You can find out more about the safety of vaccines given in Australia here>>

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we also utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds that information into the AusVaxSafety program.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Rabies cases on the rise in Bali https://illawarramedical.com.au/rabies-cases-on-the-rise-in-bali/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rabies-cases-on-the-rise-in-bali Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:05:41 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=8852 While Bali is known as a favourite travel destination for Western Australians, it’s also becoming increasingly known as a rabies hotspot, with more than 39,000 bite incidents recorded in 2024 and cases continuing to rise in 2025. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at rabies and how you can best protect yourself […]

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While Bali is known as a favourite travel destination for Western Australians, it’s also becoming increasingly known as a rabies hotspot, with more than 39,000 bite incidents recorded in 2024 and cases continuing to rise in 2025.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at rabies and how you can best protect yourself when travelling to Bali and other locations where this deadly disease is present.

What is rabies?

Rabies is an infection that affects your brain and central nervous system. It’s caused by a virus called a lyssavirus.

Humans can get rabies from bites or scratches from infected animals and through contact with the virus through the eyes, mouth, or nose.

While there are many animals that can carry rabies, including bats, monkeys and foxes, the majority of rabies in humans comes through bites from dogs.

Australia is one of the few countries in the world that does not have rabies; however, many popular destinations for Australian tourists do – including Bali.

Bali’s rise in rabies

In 2024, Bali recorded more than 39,000 bite incidents in people who had been bitten by rabies-carrying animals, with an additional 8,800 bite incidents and at least six human deaths recorded up to in 2025 (up to March).

As a result of this increase in rabies infections, Bali Health Authorities recently declared red zones in several locations, including the popular tourist areas of Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua and Jimbara, as well as the Mengwi District which covers Canggu’s Pererenan Beach.

bali_beach_boats_holiday

Symptoms

Rabies symptoms may start with a fever, sore throat, vomiting and headaches before progressing to more pronounced symptoms, including:

  • a changed mental state, agitation or hyperactivity
  • tremors
  • hydrophobia (fear of water)
  • aerophobia (fear of air)
  • dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • too much saliva in your mouth
  • enlarged pupils

Rabies symptoms can appear from one week to a year after exposure, but will usually appear 2 to 3 months after contact with the virus. As the incubation period for rabies can be long, it’s important to seek advice and get immunised against rabies after even a minor scratch or bite, to prevent the disease from developing.

Once symptoms appear, rabies is 100 percent fatal, so it’s important to get yourself treated as soon as you have been exposed to a potentially infected animal.

Treatment

Immediate treatment following a bite or scratch from an animal can help stop the infection from developing and becoming fatal.

If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal while overseas, you should:

  • wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes straight away
  • after washing, use an iodine-containing medicine or anti-viral medicine
  • do not cover the wound
  • see a doctor as soon as you can — even if you’ve had the rabies vaccine

The doctor may recommend treatment to reduce the risk of infection, including a combination of multiple doses of rabies vaccine given over a month and an injection of rabies immunoglobulin.

It’s important to note that in some locations (including Indonesia), rabies treatment can be limited and you may need to return to Australia or travel to another country for immediate treatment.

How to protect yourself when travelling

Of course, the best way to protect yourself from rabies is to get vaccinated before you head to any destination where rabies is present.

When you are travelling, you can further reduce your risk by following a few simple measures:

  • Do not get close to animals — this is especially important for children.
  • Do not touch stray dogs or cats.
  • Do not allow children to feed, pat or play with animals.
  • Do not carry food, and do not feed or pat monkeys. Try not to look at monkeys that have babies, as they may feel threatened and bite suddenly.
  • Do not touch bats anywhere in the world, including Australia.
  • Know what to do if you get an animal bite or scratch.

Travel health at IMC

Got a health question or concern about your upcoming or recent travels?

As a member of the Travel Medicine Alliance (TMA), we provide a range of travel health services including:

  • Travel vaccinations, of which we carry the full range of travel vaccines at our practice. This includes vaccines for rabies, measles, hepatitis A & B, yellow fever, malaria, tetanus, cholera and influenza.
  • Comprehensive consultations on your travel plans and health requirements, including recommended vaccinations and boosters for your travel destination.
  • Follow up advice and treatment of rabies and any other illnesses you may have obtained while travelling overseas.
  • Visa application health checks.
  • Travel medical kits.

Find out more on our Travel Health page.

To make an appointment at Illawarra Medical Centre to discuss any travel health plans or concerns, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Measles on the rise in WA https://illawarramedical.com.au/measles-on-the-rise-in-wa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=measles-on-the-rise-in-wa Mon, 28 Apr 2025 03:43:12 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=8632 While measles has effectively been eradicated in Australia since 2014, thanks to the introduction of the vaccine to the childhood immunisation schedule in the mid-70s, there’s been a resurgence of the disease in recent years. Already this year, there have been 13 cases of measles reported in WA, and 57 cases Australia-wide. Vaccination remains the […]

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While measles has effectively been eradicated in Australia since 2014, thanks to the introduction of the vaccine to the childhood immunisation schedule in the mid-70s, there’s been a resurgence of the disease in recent years.

Already this year, there have been 13 cases of measles reported in WA, and 57 cases Australia-wide.

Vaccination remains the best prevention against the disease, particularly for overseas travellers and others recommended to receive the vaccine, including children 12 months old and adults born from 1966 onwards who haven’t yet had two doses.

In this month’s blog, we look at what’s causing this increase in cases and how vaccines work to prevent the disease.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can easily spread through air-borne droplets. In fact, you can catch it simply from being in the same room as an infected person!

It can also pass on from direct contact with items that have been freshly soiled with the mucous and saliva of someone infected, as the virus can survive on surfaces for up to two hours.

Measles can have serious complications for those infected by the disease, including:

  • middle ear infections;
  • dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting;
  • respiratory infections – such as bronchitis, croup, laryngitis and even pneumonia;
  • pregnancy problems – including a higher risk of miscarriage or premature labour;
  • encephalitis or brain inflammation – which affects roughly one in 1,000 people affected by the disease and can result in death or permanent brain damage; and
  • Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) – an extremely rare, progressive inflammation of the brain that causes degeneration. SSPE usually begins around seven years after the measles infection and is fatal.

Signs and symptoms

The first signs and symptoms usually occur around 10 days after exposure to the virus and can include:

  • fever
  • tiredness
  • runny nose
  • cough
  • sore red eyes

While these symptoms are characteristic of a range of illnesses, those with measles will also experience a red blotchy rash that appears a few days after the initial symptoms. The rash generally starts on the face and spreads to the body and will last for around four to seven days.

Who is at risk?

Anyone of any age can catch measles if they are not immune. One of the highest risk groups is international travellers, particularly those visiting and returning from countries where the disease is still common, including areas of Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa.

Infants under 12 months are also particularly vulnerable, as they are too young to be fully vaccinated.

Another group at risk of experiencing serious illness with complications from measles is those with weakened immunity.

Measles can also be particularly damaging during pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage or pre-term labour. It is highly recommended that anyone planning a pregnancy ensures they are up-to-date with their measles vaccine prior to becoming pregnant, as measles vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy.

What’s causing the recent increase in cases?

According to Australian Government’s National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, 13 cases have been recorded in WA (up from a total of 6 cases in 2024) and 57 cases (equal to last year’s total) have been reported nationally to date.

The recent rise in measles cases in Australia can be attributed to both the rising number of cases globally combined with reduced vaccination rates here in Australia.

Global case numbers are also rising.

There are a number of countries where measles is still very common and outbreaks are currently being experienced in Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and North America – all popular destinations for Australian tourists.

With this global increase in cases, and international travel back to pre-pandemic levels, it’s no wonder we are seeing an increased number of cases locally.

Preventing measles

Vaccination remains the best prevention against measles, particularly if you are planning on travelling overseas.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends vaccination for specific groups including:

  • children 12 months old;
  • adolescents and adults born during or since 1966 who have not received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, particularly:
    • healthcare workers;
    • childhood educators and carers;
    • people who work in long-term care facilities;
    • people who work in correctional facilities; and
    • travellers.

About the measles vaccine

The measles combination vaccine (MMR – measles, mumps, rubella) is free under the National Immunisation Program for children aged 12 months and 18 months.

People who did not receive a measles vaccination in childhood, including those aged under 20 years old, refugees, and other humanitarian entrants, may also be eligible for a free catch-up-vaccination.

MMR is a live vaccine that is 99% effective in protecting against the virus. As it contains a small amount of the live virus, some people may be not be able to receive the vaccine for medical reasons. Make sure you check with your doctor before booking in for your vaccine.

To book in for your vaccine at Illawarra Medical Centre, or to get general travel health and vaccination advice, book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> New RSV Vaccine for Pregnancy https://illawarramedical.com.au/new-rsv-vaccine-for-pregnancy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-rsv-vaccine-for-pregnancy Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:10:52 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=8585 Following last year’s introduction of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults and young children, the Australian Government last month introduced a new, free RSV immunisation program for pregnant women. RSV is a serious disease for newborn babies and infants. Vaccination during pregnancy allows pregnant women to pass antibodies to their baby through […]

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Following last year’s introduction of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults and young children, the Australian Government last month introduced a new, free RSV immunisation program for pregnant women.

RSV is a serious disease for newborn babies and infants. Vaccination during pregnancy allows pregnant women to pass antibodies to their baby through the placenta to better protect this high risk group.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the new maternal RSV program and other recommended vaccines for pregnant women.

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the airways and lungs and commonly causes coughs and colds during winter.

The virus is highly contagious and can spread easily through respiratory droplets released into the air by an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking, or through people touching contaminated surfaces and transferring the virus to their eyes, nose or mouth. It can also spread through hand-to-hand contact with an infected person.

RSV can lead to life-threatening complications, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Those most at risk of serious complications include:

  • Infants aged 12 months and under – especially those aged 6 months and under.
  • Children aged 2 years and under with medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.
  • Children aged 2 years and under who were born pre-term or with a low birth weight.

Maternal RSV vaccination program

Up until 2024, there were no vaccines available in Australia to help prevent RSV. In 2024, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved a number of vaccines for those most at risk, including a vaccine for adults aged 60 years and over, and one for babies and infants.

Following last year’s successful introduction of the infant vaccine, Nirsevimab (or Beyfortus), the Australian Government recently announced the introduction of the maternal RSV vaccine – Abrysvo®.

This new vaccine has been made available for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for women who are between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, to help protect their newborn baby from RSV.

How does the maternal RSV vaccine work?

When a pregnant woman receives the maternal RSV vaccine, their immune system produces antibodies against the disease in the first couple of weeks after vaccination. These antibodies are transferred through the placenta to the baby’s bloodstream. The antibodies help protect the infant against RSV from birth.

The process of providing antibodies from mother to baby is a form of passive immunisation and provides protection to the infant for up to 6 months from birth.

The Abrysvo vaccine cannot cause RSV and most side effects experienced are mild. As noted by the WA Government Department of Health, research has shown no difference in the rates of serious adverse events in pregnant women or infants born to pregnant women who receive Abrysvo compared to those who received a placebo.

This vaccine has already been approved for use in the United States of America and research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that, when given to pregnant women, the vaccine was 81.8% effective in preventing severe disease within 90 days of birth and 69.4% effective in preventing severe disease within 180 days of birth.

More information on the maternal RSV vaccination program is available here>>

What other vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?

Other vaccines recommended during pregnancy include ones for influenza and whooping cough – diseases that cause serious harm to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Both of these vaccines are available free to pregnant women through the NIP.

The influenza vaccine is available at any stage of pregnancy. As babies under 6 months are too young to have the vaccine themselves, the best way to protect newborns from influenza is for mothers to have the vaccine during pregnancy.

Similarly, babies do not receive their first whooping cough vaccination until they are six weeks of age. Therefore, the best protection for newborns is for mothers to be vaccinated prior to delivery.

The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for every pregnancy between 20 and 32 weeks, and can be given up to the time of delivery.

This brochure from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care provides further information on recommended vaccines during pregnancy>>

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe and you cannot get the virus from having the relevant vaccine.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the vaccines causing serious harm is very low. Some people may experience mild side effects, including reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling, and pain where the injection is given), fever and fatigue.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the TGA. We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to all vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds that information into the AusVaxSafety program.

Vaccinations at IMC

All recommended maternal vaccines are available at Illawarra Medical Centre. To book in for your vaccine or discuss and questions or concerns you may have, book an appointment with one of our GPs. Bookings can be made online or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Vaccines now available for RSV prevention https://illawarramedical.com.au/vaccines-now-available-for-rsv-prevention/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vaccines-now-available-for-rsv-prevention Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:35:10 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=7699 New vaccines have recently been approved for use in older adults and young children to prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with Western Australian babies being the first to be offered access to a new vaccine to help prevent this leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look […]

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New vaccines have recently been approved for use in older adults and young children to prevent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with Western Australian babies being the first to be offered access to a new vaccine to help prevent this leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at RSV and the new vaccines that will be available for infants and adults in 2024.

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (or RSV) is a common virus that usually presents as a mild respiratory infection and can affect people of all ages.

The virus infects the airways and lungs and commonly causes coughs and colds during winter. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing

It can also cause ear infections. While RSV mostly presents as a mild infection, it can lead to life-threatening complications, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

The virus is highly contagious and can spread easily through respiratory droplets released into the air by an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking; or through people touching contaminated surfaces and transferring the virus to their eyes, nose or mouth. It can also spread through hand-to-hand contact with an infected person.

Who is most at risk?

Young children are at a high risk of serious illness from RSV, with 3.6 million children worldwide hospitalised with the virus every year. In Western Australia in 2023, 993 infants were hospitalised with RSV.

In general, four out of every five children hospitalised with RSV will have no underlying health conditions. Aboriginal infants are hospitalised with the virus at 2-3 times the rate of non-Aboriginal infants.

Almost all children will experience at least one RSV infection within their first two years of life.

Those most at risk of serious complications include:

  • Infants aged 12 months and under – especially those aged 6 months and under.
  • Children aged 2 years and under with medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.
  • Children aged 2 years and under who were born pre-term or with a low birth weight.

Older adults are also at a higher risk of RSV, particularly:

  • adults with medical risk factors – including those who are immunocompromised or who have chronic cardiac, respiratory and neurological conditions, diabetes and metabolic disorders, or renal disease; and
  • those aged 75 years and over for non-First Nations adults, or 60 years and over for First Nations adults.

How do you prevent RSV?

The best way to help prevent the spread of the virus is by:

  • Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Avoiding sharing of eating and drinking utensils.
  • Staying home when sick, or wearing a mask when leaving the house and avoiding close contact with others.
  • Regularly cleaning surfaces and items that may be contaminated with disinfectant.

Are there vaccines available?

Up until this year, there were no vaccines available in Australia to help prevent RSV. However, in January 2024, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved Australia’s first vaccine to help fight against the virus.

The Arexvy vaccine is an adjuvanted recombinant RSV vaccine that can be administered as a single dose and given at any time of year. It is available for adults aged 60 years and over through private prescription only. It is highly recommended for:

  • All adults aged 75 years and over.
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 60 to 74 years.
  • Adults aged 60 to 74 years with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe disease.

Earlier this month, and in an Australian first, the Western Australian (WA) Government also announced the rollout of a new RSV vaccine for infants.

The Nirsevimab (or Beyfortus) vaccine was approved by the TGA in November 2023 and will be offered free to all WA babies under eight months old, as well as older children aged 8-19 months at increased risk of severe RSV. This RSV vaccine is given as a single dose and provides protection for at least five months. It is expected to be available from April onwards through GP practices, Community Health Clinics, and Aboriginal Medical Services.

As noted by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia, clinical trials of the Nirsevimab vaccine showed a reduction in RSV-related infant hospitalisations of around 80%, with similar trends observed in Europe last year following the rollout of their infant immunisation programs.

Another vaccine – Abrysvo – is also currently being evaluated as an option for pregnant women in Australia to help protect their unborn babies. This RSV vaccine has already been approved for use in the United States of America. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that, when given to pregnant women, the vaccine was 81.8% effective in preventing severe disease within 90 days of birth and 69.4% effective in preventing severe disease within 180 days of birth.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe and you cannot get the virus from having the relevant vaccine.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the vaccines causing serious harm is very low.

As noted by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia, side effects for the Nirsevimab RSV vaccine were uncommon in clinical trials, with the most common side effects experienced being pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, or a rash.

Similarly, reported common side effects for Arexvy were pain and redness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the TGA. We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to all vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds that information into the AusVaxSafety program.

Vaccinations at IMC

We will notify our patients as soon as RSV vaccines become available at Illawarra Medical Centre, so keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for details!

In the meantime, should you have any other vaccine requirements or health issues you wish to discuss, book an appointment with one of our GPs. Bookings can be made online or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

 

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]]> Triple virus threat for winter highlights importance of vaccination https://illawarramedical.com.au/triple-virus-threat-for-winter-highlights-importance-of-vaccination/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=triple-virus-threat-for-winter-highlights-importance-of-vaccination Mon, 22 May 2023 04:27:14 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=6918 There have been a lot reports in recent weeks about the looming triple virus threat of RSV, COVID and influenza hitting hard this winter. In this month’s blog, we take a look at each of these viruses, how they differ, and how you vaccination can help protect yourself and your family from them this coming […]

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There have been a lot reports in recent weeks about the looming triple virus threat of RSV, COVID and influenza hitting hard this winter. In this month’s blog, we take a look at each of these viruses, how they differ, and how you vaccination can help protect yourself and your family from them this coming winter.

RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (or RSV) usually presents as a mild respiratory infection. The virus infects the airways and lungs and commonly causes coughs and colds during winter.

Its symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing

It can also cause ear infections. While RSV mostly presents as a mild infection, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Children are most at risk, with 3.6 million children worldwide hospitalised with the virus every year.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. 

Thanks to the impact of vaccines and the health measures undertaken over the last few years, the World Health Organization recently declared that the virus was no longer a public health emergency, but an established and ongoing health issue.

COVID-19 symptoms can vary from mild to severe, with the most common symptoms being:

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath

Other symptoms can include:

  • Runny nose or congestion
  • Headache or fatigue
  • Muscle or joint pains
  • Nausea or loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, WA has recorded 1,326,071 confirmed cases and 1,053 deaths from COVID (as at 12 May 2023 – https://covidlive.com.au/report/daily-deaths/wa). Globally, that figure increases to almost 765,903,278 confirmed cases and close to 7 million deaths (https://covid19.who.int/).

Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can often be mistaken for a common cold. However, flu tends to last longer and be more debilitating.

Most people experience symptoms, such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • General aches and pains

Children, however, can experience more uncommon symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high-risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions.

Vaccination offers best protection

With all three viruses already circulating throughout the community, it is expected there will be increased pressure on our health system and hospitals as winter hits. Contracting a combination of RSV, flu and/or COVID-19 could also have severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable people in our community.

That’s why staying up-to-date with your vaccines is vital, as it helps to reduce the spread of these viruses and protects your family and the wider community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

What vaccines are currently available?

RSV Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine available for RSV. However, a vaccine may not be too far away, with new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing the development of an RSV vaccine that, when given to pregnant women, was 81.8% effective in preventing severe disease within 90 days of birth and 69.4% effective in preventing severe disease within 180 days of birth.

In the meantime, you can help prevent the spread of the virus by:

  • Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Staying home, when sick, or wearing a mask when leaving the house and avoiding close contact with others.
  • Regularly cleaning surfaces and items that may be contaminated with disinfectant.
COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 5 years and older and there are currently three vaccines available for use in Australia:

  • Pfizer (Comirnaty)
  • Spikevax (Moderna)
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax)

Some people may previously have received the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) COVID vaccine; however, this vaccine is no longer available in Australia (as of 20 March 2023).

All adults who have not had a COVID-19 booster or a confirmed case in the past six months are encouraged to get another booster to give them additional protection against severe illness from COVID, regardless of the number of prior doses received.

This additional booster dose is particularly recommended for those at risk of severe illness, including:

  • anyone aged 65 years and over; and
  • adults who have medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs. 

ATAGI advice currently states that otherwise healthy children and teenagers do not need a booster at this time, given the low incidence of severe illness and high level of hybrid immunity amongst this cohort.

Influenza Vaccines

Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get vaccinated annually against influenza.

Those at greatest risk of serious complications from influenza are eligible to receive the vaccine for free, through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).

This includes:

  • Children aged 6 months to <5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone aged 6 months and over who has:
    • heart disease
    • severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or use of multiple medications)
    • chronic lung conditions
    • diseases of the nervous system that affect breathing
    • impaired immunity
    • diabetes
    • kidney disease
    • haemoglobinopathies
    • children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy

In Western Australia, the flu vaccine is also free fro ALL primary school aged children from Pre-Primary to Year 6. Vaccination is also strongly recommended for those who:

  • Work in certain jobs and industries (including aged care and health care).
  • Travel to certain countries.
  • Are planning a pregnancy.

In Western Australia, the influenza vaccine is currently free for all Western Australians throughout May at participating GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe and you cannot get the virus from having the relevant vaccine.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the vaccines causing serious harm is very low.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to each year’s new influenza vaccine in young children.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds into the AusVaxSafety program.

Can I get my flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes. You can have your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

When booking in for your flu vaccination, however, it’s important to tell your vaccination provider if you are also wanting to receive your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, so that they can best plan your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns about getting your COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at the same time, speak to your GP prior to booking in any vaccinations.

Vaccinations at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre currently has stocks of both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines available. We are also running Influenza Vaccination Clinics every Friday, for those looking to get their annual flu vaccine.

Bookings are essential. Visit the website or contact us on (08) 9208 6400 for further details.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Staying healthy over the holidays https://illawarramedical.com.au/staying-healthy-over-the-holidays/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=staying-healthy-over-the-holidays Tue, 20 Dec 2022 07:23:14 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=6458 As we head towards Christmas and New Year and gatherings with friends and family, it’s important to continue to look after your health to ensure everyone can enjoy a happy, healthy festive season. In this month’s blog, we give some tips on how you can best look after your health over the holidays. Limit Alcohol […]

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As we head towards Christmas and New Year and gatherings with friends and family, it’s important to continue to look after your health to ensure everyone can enjoy a happy, healthy festive season. In this month’s blog, we give some tips on how you can best look after your health over the holidays.

Limit Alcohol

Alcohol can be part of a healthy lifestyle, when used in moderation and in conjunction with a good diet and regular exercise. However, if you consume too much alcohol, it can have a serious impact on your physical health in both the short-term and long-term.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol at any one time can cause confusion, blurred vision, clumsiness, memory loss, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, and even coma or death.

Not only that, but drinking too much alcohol in the short-term can also lead to:

  • Accidental injury to yourself and/or others
  • Being in a road accident
  • Deliberately harming yourself or others
  • Unprotected or unwanted sex
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Hangovers

During the festive season, try to keep track of how much you’re drinking and make sure you drink water between each alcoholic beverage to help combat dehydration and reduce the amount of alcohol you may consume. If you do go out and plan to drink, make sure you plan not to drive.

Avoid Overindulging

Christmas time is filled with an abundance of delicious goodies, from traditional roast meats to chocolate treats, leftovers and never-ending snacks. It can be tempting to want to eat everything on offer but if you want to be kind to your health, try practicing portion control and be selective in what you do treat yourself to.

Mindful eating can also help prevent you eating more than you normally would. Try to be conscious of what you are eating and avoid non-stop grazing throughout the day, to help avoid overeating

We know that what you eat can affect your overall health and wellbeing, so try and incorporate plenty of nutrient-rich whole foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, into your festive diet, which we know are good for your whole body.

Keep Stress at Bay

The end of the year and the lead up to Christmas can be a stressful time for many – with increased demands on our time and our wallets.

Stress triggers numerous physiological responses within the body and can impact our nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, muscular and immune systems.

Try to help keep the stress at bay over Christmas, and reduce its impact on your health, by:

  • Planning ways to reduce spending at this time of year and finding low-cost ways to have fun. Rather than buying gifts for everyone in the family, why not suggest a Secret Santa. And instead of going out for cocktails with friends, suggest a picnic in the park instead, where everyone can bring a plate.
  • Picking and choosing which social events you do want to attend and giving yourself some downtime in between to reset and recoup. Remember that you don’t have to say yes to every invitation!
  • Staying healthy by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.

Exercise

While it’s easy to get out of our regular routine during the holidays, try to keep up with some form of exercise. Regular exercise is an essential part of maintaining good whole-body health and ensures your body has the necessary nutrients available to keep you feeling your healthy best.

In addition, exercise can help to reduce stress by decreasing the body’s elevated hormonal and immune responses to stress.

Get up-to-date with vaccinations

While you might be taking a break over the holidays, viruses and illnesses certainly won’t be!

There are plenty of viruses currently doing the rounds, including COVID-19, meningococcal and measles. Vaccination remains the best way to keep yourself, your family and the wider community protected, so make sure you are up-to-date with all your recommended vaccinations.

Vaccination is also an important consideration for those heading overseas during the holidays, to help protect you against any diseases you may be exposed to on your travels. It’s best to see your doctor at least 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. This will allow you enough time to get any vaccinations that require more than one dose and for the vaccines to start working before you leave.

Your doctor can also provide you with a comprehensive consultation on your health needs while travelling, based on your individual circumstances. As different countries have different laws regarding medicines that can be taken in and out, your GP will be able to advise you on how to pack and prepare any medications you need to take with you.

The holidays are also a great time to get the kids up-to-date with their scheduled immunisations before heading back to school in the new year. All schools in Western Australia have immunisation requirements for enrolment, so make sure you check with your school as to what their immunisation requirements are before the start of the new school year.

Keep your cool in the heat

The festive season often coincides with the start of the summer heat. It’s important to look after yourself and others in hot weather by:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids – especially water – throughout the day.
  • Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, as these can increase dehydration.
  • Staying indoors with a fan or air-conditioner.
  • Limiting the time spent outdoors. If you do go out, try to go early morning or late evening, stay in the shade and wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for protection.
  • Wearing light coloured, loose fitted clothing.
  • Cooling your house by keeping curtains, blinds and windows closed during the day.
  • Keeping food safe by properly storing and defrosting it.
  • Checking on elderly friends, neighbours and relatives to make sure they are slot gacor ok and are keeping hydrated and cool.
  • If you have pets, do not leave them alone in a car and ensure they have water and plenty of shade available when they are outside.

Book in for your annual skin check

The hot weather is also a good reminder about the importance of getting regular skin cancer checks. Getting a regular skin check is one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early.

Illawarra Medical Centre offers a comprehensive range of dermatology services, including skin cancer checks, mole screening and general dermatology screenings.

If you have any health conditions that mean you are at greater risk of heat-related illness or concerns about your health in general, book in with one of our GPs to discuss your concerns.

Appointments can be made online or by contacting us directly on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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]]> Meningococcal B cases on the rise https://illawarramedical.com.au/meningococcal-b-cases-on-the-rise/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=meningococcal-b-cases-on-the-rise Thu, 24 Nov 2022 01:58:41 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=6389 Meningococcal is a serious infection that can cause severe scarring, loss of limbs, brain damage and death. With cases of meningococcal B on the rise in Australia this year, it’s an important reminder for us all to keep up-to-date with our vaccinations, particularly those who are at most risk. In this month’s blog, we take […]

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Meningococcal is a serious infection that can cause severe scarring, loss of limbs, brain damage and death. With cases of meningococcal B on the rise in Australia this year, it’s an important reminder for us all to keep up-to-date with our vaccinations, particularly those who are at most risk. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the disease.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is the result of a bacterial infection of the blood and/or membranes that line the spinal cord and brain.

The most common strains that are responsible for cases of infection are A, B, C, W, and Y and vaccinations for all these strains of the disease are available in Australia.

While the disease is relatively uncommon, and most people will recover completely with early antibiotic treatment, it can spread rapidly and become life-threatening for those infected.

Up to 10 per cent of cases result in a long-term disability, such as a loss of a limb or neurological damage and, in very rare cases, if left untreated, can result in death.

Meningococcal in Western Australia

There have been an increasing number of cases of meningococcal disease reported in Western Australia this year, particularly for the B strain of the disease.

Table 1: Notifications of IMD by serogroup, state and territory to 30 September 2022; courtesy of GSK **NG includes where meningococcal isolates could not be identifies (‘not groupable’), other isolates not grouped and where serogroup was not known.

What are the symptoms?

One of the tricky things about meningococcal is that it can appear in different forms, depending on which part of the body the bacteria invade (meningitis– affecting the brain and spinal cord; and septicaemia– affecting the blood; or a combination of both).

People can also experience different symptoms.

In general, some of the most common symptoms experienced include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Neck stiffness
  • Muscle or joint pains
  • Drowsiness or confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Convulsions
  • Rapid breathing or panting
  • Cold hands and feet

In the later stages of the disease, a pinprick or purple bruise-like rash can develop. It is important to get this type of rash checked immediately by your doctor or emergency department.

Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics and the earlier the treatment commences, the better the chance of making a full recovery.

Who is at risk?

While up to one-fifth of people carry meningococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat, only a small number of people will develop an infection from the meningococcal bacteria.

Those at greatest risk of contracting the disease include babies and children up to the age of 5 (due to their developing immune systems and tendency to put things in their mouths and share toys, food and drinks) and those in the 15-24 year age bracket (due to their social lifestyle, which generally includes more intimate activities toto jitu such as kissing and sharing drinks).

Others at risk include those with a recent or current viral respiratory infection, smokers, those living in crowded living conditions and those with a weakened immune system.

Preventing meningococcal

While practising good hygiene can help prevent against the disease, vaccination remains the best way to protect against meningococcal. Unfortunately, there is no single vaccine available to protect against all strains of the disease; however, there are different vaccines available to help protect against the most common strains – A, B, C, W and Y.

Vaccination against meningococcal B is strongly recommended for:

  • Infants and young children aged 2 or under
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 2-19 years old
  • Healthy adolescents aged 15-19 years old
  • Adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years old, living in close quarters or who are current smokers
  • People with certain medical conditions
  • Travellers
  • Laboratory workers who frequently handle Neisseria meningitides

Meningococcal B vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2 months, 4 months, 6 months (certain medical conditions) and 12 months.
  • People of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency and those receiving treatment with eculizumab.

Others can get the vaccine through private prescription from their GP.

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:

  • children aged 12 months
  • adolescents aged 14-16 years through school-based vaccination programs.
  • People of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency and those receiving treatment with eculizumab.  

Book in for your vaccine at IMC

We regularly stock vaccines for all meningococcal strains at Illawarra Medical Centre. To book in for your vaccination, make an appointment online or phone us on (08) 9208 6400.

If you have any concerns or questions, book in with your GP to discuss.

For more information on this topic, visit:

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